Vocalinux
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Linux Mint Setup Guide

Install Voice Dictation on Linux Mint

Linux Mint is judged by its Ubuntu base, not its own version number. Mint 22 is built on Ubuntu 24.04, so the install script treats it as Ubuntu and installs everything Vocalinux needs.

Install command

curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/VocaHQ/vocalinux/main/install.sh -o /tmp/vl.sh bash /tmp/vl.sh

Prerequisites

  • Linux Mint 22 or newer, on an Ubuntu 24.04+ base (Mint 21 is on Ubuntu 22.04, below the floor)
  • Python 3.11+ with the distro's python3-gi (the installer handles this)
  • Working microphone
  • curl installed (sudo apt update && sudo apt install -y curl)

Supported on

  • Linux Mint on Ubuntu 24.04+ (Mint 22): good support
  • Cinnamon, MATE and Xfce desktops: full support

Support levels come from the project’s distribution compatibility matrix. They describe expected compatibility, not a list of test machines.

Other install options for Linux Mint

Native .deb package

The .deb targets Debian 12+ and Ubuntu 24.04+, the base Mint 22 is built on. Download the .deb for your CPU from GitHub Releases (arm64 files are attached too). It is a thin package: Python and GTK come from the distro, whisper.cpp runs on the CPU, and there is no auto-update. On Wayland, add yourself to the input group (sudo usermod -aG input $USER, then log out and back in) or the default hotkey stays off.

sudo apt install ./vocalinux_*_amd64.deb

Flatpak from the VocaHQ remote

Not on Flathub. The self-hosted vocahq remote updates with flatpak update and ships whisper.cpp only.

flatpak install https://vocahq.github.io/vocalinux-flatpak/com.vocalinux.Vocalinux.flatpakref

Compare every package format on theinstall overview, or read theFlatpak guide.

Setup notes for Linux Mint

  1. Keep the default whisper.cpp engine unless you have a specific reason to switch.
  2. Cinnamon is fully supported and works with AppIndicator for the tray icon.
  3. Text is typed with xdotool on X11 sessions; on Wayland, Vocalinux picks from IBus, the RemoteDesktop portal, wtype or ydotool.
  4. The install script adds you to the input group for Wayland hotkeys; log out and back in afterwards.

Post-install checklist

  • Run vocalinux --version to confirm the installed release.
  • Launch vocalinux and confirm the tray icon appears. On GNOME, the tray needs the AppIndicator extension.
  • Hold Right Alt (Option) to dictate, or switch to toggle mode in Settings → Shortcuts, and confirm text lands in a terminal and a browser.
  • If anything misbehaves, run vocalinux --debug and check the troubleshooting guide.

Need help selecting an engine? Read theengine comparison. Stuck? Seetroubleshooting.